Using the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen above as an example, explain how atoms are re-arranged by a chemical reaction.

Sure, let's break down the process step by step:

1. Identify the Reactants: In the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen, the reactants are nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂) molecules.

2. Molecular Structure of Reactants:

   • Nitrogen (N₂) consists of two nitrogen atoms bonded together.
   • Oxygen (O₂) consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together.

3. Breaking Bonds: During the chemical reaction, the bonds between the nitrogen atoms in N₂ and the bonds between the oxygen atoms in O₂ are broken. This requires energy, which is usually provided in the form of heat or light.

4. Formation of New Bonds: After the bonds in the reactants are broken, the atoms are free to rearrange and form new bonds. In this case, nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms combine to form nitrogen monoxide (NO).

5. Molecular Structure of Products:

   • Nitrogen monoxide (NO) consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to one oxygen atom.

6. Balanced Chemical Equation: The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: $N_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2NO$ This indicates that one molecule of nitrogen (N₂) reacts with one molecule of oxygen (O₂) to produce two molecules of nitrogen monoxide (NO).

7. Conservation of Mass: The total number of each type of atom is conserved during the reaction. There are two nitrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.

8. Energy Changes: The reaction may either release energy (exothermic) or absorb energy (endothermic), depending on the specific details of the reaction.

In summary, during a chemical reaction, the atoms in the reactants are rearranged to form new products. The original bonds are broken, and new bonds are formed, resulting in different substances with new properties.